How do I make my device read selected text aloud?
Quick answer
If you use Microsoft 365 on a Mac, enable Speak Selection in your Mac’s accessibility Read & Speak settings, set a keyboard shortcut, select text in a Microsoft 365 app, and press that shortcut to hear it. [S1] Steps vary by device and app: the cited guidance does not establish a universal Windows feature or specify exact voice and speed controls.
The question, the details, the next step.
How do I make my device read selected text aloud?
The steps depend on your device and the app where the text appears. For Microsoft 365 on a Mac, Microsoft documents a feature called Speak Selection: turn it on in the Mac’s accessibility Read & Speak settings, choose a keyboard shortcut, select text in a Microsoft 365 app, and press the shortcut to hear it. [S1]
If you use another device or app, don’t assume the same setting or shortcut exists. Tell me your device and app if you want more tailored directions.
I’m on a Mac and want this to work in a Microsoft 365 document. What should I do, and how can I check the selection?
Use this sequence:
- Open the Mac accessibility settings and find Read & Speak.
- Enable Speak Selection.
- Configure a keyboard shortcut you can remember.
- Return to your Microsoft 365 document and select the passage you want read aloud.
- Press the shortcut you chose.
Microsoft’s guidance describes these steps for Microsoft 365 on Mac. [S1] It does not give a universal shortcut, so set one in the options rather than relying on a shortcut from another device or app.
Before using the shortcut, check that the selection covers the text you want. For example, to hear only the final two sentences of a draft, select those sentences, check that the highlight covers both and nothing else, and press your configured shortcut. If the wrong passage is read, select the intended text again and retry.
Can I change the voice or make it read faster?
The cited Microsoft guidance says to configure the shortcut and other options, but it does not specify which voice or reading-speed controls are available. [S1] Check the options shown in your device’s Read & Speak settings and the controls in the app you’re using; don’t assume a voice or speed setting is present or that it will affect every app. If you tell me your device and app, I can help you narrow down what to look for.
I’m using Windows, or the selected-text shortcut doesn’t work. What should I try?
The cited source covers Mac and Microsoft 365; it does not establish a universal Windows Speak Selection feature or give Windows instructions. [S1] For Windows or another app, identify the device, operating system, and app first. Then look in the relevant accessibility or reading settings for an option that speaks selected text, and check whether the app has its own read-aloud control.
If the Mac setup should apply, check that Speak Selection is enabled, that you selected text in a Microsoft 365 app, and that you pressed the shortcut you configured. [S1] If the setting or option names differ, use the help for your specific device and app rather than guessing a shortcut.
A practical checklist
Note your device, operating system, and the app containing the text.
For Microsoft 365 on Mac, enable Speak Selection in accessibility Read & Speak settings. [S1]
Set and remember the keyboard shortcut shown in the settings. [S1]
Select the exact passage you want read, then use the configured shortcut. [S1]
Check the available settings directly before expecting a particular voice or reading speed.
A few more useful answers
Does this guide confirm that Windows has the same Speak Selection feature?
No. The cited guidance is specific to Mac and Microsoft 365 and does not establish a universal Windows feature. [S1] Check the accessibility and reading options for your particular Windows version and app.
Does the guidance provide a default keyboard shortcut?
No. It says to configure a shortcut but does not specify a universal default. [S1] Use the shortcut you set in the relevant options.
Does it confirm that I can change the voice or speed?
No. The cited extract does not establish which voice or speed controls are available. [S1] Check the settings for your device and app.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365 support.microsoft.com · Checked